Reflection on the themes of personal commitment to the Vincentian spirit and charism, Vincentian leadership and service, and the important role played by leaders in the Society in serving people we assist animated a successful 2024 NSW State Council Retreat at Mary MacKillop Place, North Sydney from Friday 29 November to Sunday 1 December. 

Distinguished speakers on the retreat included Fr Richard Leonard SJ, international film critic and lecturer on faith and culture, renowned bioethicist A/Professor Bernadette Tobin, and Dr Sandie Cornish, an Australian expert on Catholic Social Teaching and lay member of the 2024 Synod in Rome. 

Bishop Terry Brady, emeritus Auxiliary Bishop of Sydney and great friend of the Society, celebrated a Vigil Mass in the Mary MacKillop Place Chapel, where St Mary MacKillop, Australia’s first saint, is buried with participants on the Saturday evening.  

After Mass, Mary Ryan, State Council Vice-President for Spirituality and Diversity, was the main speaker at the Saturday evening dinner during the retreat. Mary was particularly inspired by some of St Vincent de Paul’s writings on the spirit of true charity, sharing, “It is one thing to give Charity. It is another thing entirely to give the sense of humanity, dignity and personhood.”

The Mission and Formation team facilitated the weekend regarding the Vincentian approach to mission, with prayer, group and individual reflections led by Leo Tucker and Corinne Lindsell. 

Peter Houweling, NSW State Council President, Richard Stewart, Board Chair, and Yolanda Saiz, CEO, shared their reflections on the weekend and thanked all retreatants for their commitment to Vincentian works and their dedication in their roles as Vincentian leaders.